MANGA REVIEW | "Choujin X" - Volume Two
I wasn’t too sure what to expect from Choujin X, the latest series from Tokyo Ghoul creator Sui Ishida. However, its first volume took me by surprise, with its impressive action, good comedy, and dark undertones. Volume Two continues with this trend, only this time more intense and wild than previously. And man, does it know how to impress its readers!
Tokio and Eli continue their battle with the snake Choujin Nari Tsumuji, with the giant beast looking tough to kill. Just about everything the two heroes-to-be throw at it barely grazes the creature. An idea to destroy it from within comes to Tokio’s mind, and while the idea sounds flawless, the execution…erm, isn’t. Thankfully, some help arrives, in the form of Yamato Mori, an organization that aids law-abiding Choujin.
From there, Tokio and Eli learn the ins and outs of being Choujin. What’s allowed, what’s illegal, and what it will take to be both respected by one’s peers and living as normal a life as possible. It’s when talks of dreams come into play where Eli and Tokio differ. The young farmer girl wants to make money, for the obvious reason to help her grandfather. As for Tokio, he’s got a problem: he has no dreams.
It’s a situation that causes something of an existential crisis for Tokio. Even Eli wonders what his reason for living is if he’s got no dreams to aspire towards. Then again, these are still school kids, and thinking about your lifetime goals in only your second decade of living can seem downright tough to muster. (I mean, asking an 18 year-old what they want to do for the next 50-60 years is downright cruel too, if you take the time to think about it!)
However, Choujin X isn’t solely about dealing with the meaning of one’s life; we need to get to some ass-kicking somewhere down the line. That happens in the six chapter arc “Sinker”, with former baseball player Shiozaki taking center stage. His Choujin powers make it impossible to play ball with normal kids ever again. As a result, he finds himself in a bad rut, as he destroys vending machines and gets a taste of crime with some genetically-altered Choujin.
Soon, Shiozaki loses control, and it forces Tokio, Eli, and members of Yamato Mori to try to take him down. What follows is yet another reason why Japanese writers do baseball great! In the same vein as the BNA: Brand New Animal and Samurai Champloo episodes about the sport, the level of madness thrown into this battle with Shiozaki demonstrates the creativity and visual skill that Shu Ishida has. It all leads up to a beautifully funny climax between Tokio and Shiozaki, with the vulture man holding a pipe and taking a swing at the monster pitch.
I don’t wish to spoil more of what occurs in Choujin X’s second volume. There’s so much beautiful violence and unexpected humor showcased in its 260 pages. Honestly, the more I think about its action, the more I hope I get to see it in anime form one day. Even if Tokyo Ghoul wasn’t your thing, Choujin X is one manga series that’s getting nigh impossible to ignore.
With that being said, I hope Azuma gets to have a bit more time in the spotlight. I kinda feel bad that he’s more of a second banana here in this volume compared to last.
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
